Analyst Firm Predicts Strong Growth for Wireless LANs

The wireless LAN equipment market will grow from $969 million in revenues in 2000 to $4.5 billion in 2006, according to new research from a market analysis firm.

Allied Business Intelligence Inc. (ABI) of Oyster Bay, N.Y., released its projections for the wireless LAN market on Monday.

"Wireless LANs have emerged as a practical and cost-effective networking solution, coinciding nicely with today's emphasis on Internet and corporate intranet access. Wireless LANs have taken a quantum leap in providing users freedom from wired connections," ABI analyst Joshua Wise said in a statement.

ABI projects that wireless node shipments will accelerate in the next 12-18 months. According to ABI, wireless node shipments amounted to 1.4 million in 1999 and 4.9 million in 2000. By 2006, the number should reach 55.9 million, according to ABI.

The 802.11b standard, or Wi-Fi, is currently the dominant wireless standard, according to ABI, but it will soon give way to 802.11a. Products based on 802.11a standard will begin shipping in early 2002 and should capture 50 percent of annual shipments by 2005, ABI predicts.